Any experienced owners out there who can advise me how best to treat budgies or other small cage birds so as to result in friendly and confident avian companions rather than a scared bird who flees to the other side of the cage when you come near...or a hostile one who bites?

I'm sure there are various training techniques that work well, but I have little experience in this, so I'm asking.

I figure to get 2 budgies so they have their own company when I'm not around. I don't think it's good for their morale to be left alone much, as they are social birds.

Feel free to tell some silly jokes now. ;-) I don't mind. But it's some real advice from experienced bird owners that I'm seeking in this thread.